Methods for the control of arthropods using near-ideal gas phase hydrogen peroxide

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for controlling arthropods, including insects and arachnids in an environment. The methods generally comprise: generating a near-ideal gas Purified Hydrogen Peroxide Gas (PHPG) that is substantially non-hydrated (e.g., in the form of water in solution or water in solution or water molecules bonded by covalence, van der Waals forces, or London forces) and substantially free of, e.g., ozone, plasma species, and/or organic species; and directing the gas comprising primarily PHPG into the environment such that the PHPG acts to control arachnids in the environment. In certain aspects, the arachnids may be totally or partially killed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser.No. 15/727,617, filed Oct. 8, 2017, which is a continuation applicationof U.S. application Ser. No. 14/891,238, filed Nov. 13, 2015, which is anational stage application of International Application No.PCT/US2014/038652 filed May 19, 2014, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/824,689 filed May 17, 2013, which isherein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to methods for the control ofarthropods, including insects and arachnids. In certain aspects,photocatalytic processes may be utilized to form near-ideal gas phasehydrogen peroxide for use in the methods described herein.

BACKGROUND

As described herein, in certain aspects of the disclosure, hydrogenperoxide may be produced as a near-ideal gas phase, purified hydrogenperoxide gas (PHPG). In this form hydrogen peroxide behaves, in allrespects, as a near-ideal gas and is not hydrated, or otherwise combinedwith water when produced.

The fundamental nature of a photocatalytic process is to create activeintermediates in a chemical reaction by absorption of light. This occurswhen a photon of the appropriate wavelength strikes the photocatalyst.The energy of the photon is imparted to a valence band electron,promoting the electron to the conduction band, thus leaving a “hole” inthe valence band. In the absence of an adsorbed chemical species, thepromoted electron will decay and recombine with the valence band hole.Recombination is prevented when the valence band hole captures anelectron from an oxidizable species—preferentially molecularwater—adsorbed to an active surface site on the photocatalyst.Concurrently, a reducible species adsorbed on the catalystsurface—preferentially molecular oxygen—may capture a conduction bandelectron.

Upon initiation of the photocatalytic process, or at the entrance pointof a photocatalytic plasma reactor, the following reactions occur.

Oxidation2 photons+2H₂O→2OH*+2H⁺+2e ⁻2OH*→H₂O₂

ReductionO₂±2H⁺+2e→H₂O₂

Once hydrogen peroxide has been produced, however, the photocatalystpreferentially reduces hydrogen peroxide (reduction potential 0.71 eV)instead of molecular oxygen (reduction potential −0.13 eV), and thereaction shifts to the following equilibrium which takes place withinthe majority of the plasma reactor volume.

Oxidation2 photons+2H₂O→2OH*+2H⁺+2e ⁻2OH*→H₂O₂

ReductionH₂O₂+2H⁺+2e→2H₂O

In the context of the present disclosure, near-ideal gas PurifiedHydrogen Peroxide Gas (PHPG) may be produced using a photocatalyticprocess with a purpose-designed morphology that enables the removal ofnear-ideal gas phase hydrogen peroxide from the PHPG reactor before itis forced to undergo subsequent reduction by the photocatalyst. Deniedready availability of adsorbed hydrogen peroxide gas, the photocatalystis then forced to preferentially reduce oxygen, rather than hydrogenperoxide. Hydrogen peroxide gas may then generally be producedsimultaneously by both the oxidation of water and the reduction ofdioxygen in the photocatalytic process. Without intending to be limited,in operation the amount of hydrogen peroxide produced may be doubled,then removed from the system before the vast majority of it can bereduced—thereby resulting in an output of near-ideal gas PHPG that isthousands of times greater than the incidental output of unpurifiedhydrogen peroxide from an equal number of active catalyst sites within aphotocatalytic plasma reactor under the same conditions. Thispurpose-designed morphology also enables the production of near-idealgas PHPG at absolute humidities well below those at which aphotocatalytic plasma reactor can effectively operate. For example,near-ideal gas PHPG outputs greater than 5.0 ppm have been achieved atan absolute humidity of 2.5 milligrams per Liter. In thepurpose-designed morphology the dominant reactions become:

Oxidation2 photons+2H₂O→2OH*+2H⁺+2e ⁻2OH*→H₂O₂

ReductionO₂±2H⁺+2e ⁻→H₂O₂

However, without being limited by theory, it should be noted thatmethods and devices of the present disclosure are not achieved as aresult of the photocatalytic process, but by the effects of near-idealgas PHPG once it is released into the environment.

Using morphology that permits immediate removal of hydrogen peroxide gasbefore it can be reduced, near-ideal gas PHPG may be generated in anysuitable manner known in the art, including but not limited to, anysuitable process known in the art that simultaneously oxidizes water ingas form and reduces oxygen gas, including gas phase photo-catalysis,e.g., using a metal catalyst such as titanium dioxide, zirconium oxide,titanium dioxide doped with cocatalysts (such as copper, rhodium,silver, platinum, gold, etc.), or other suitable metal oxidephotocatalysts. Near-ideal gas PHPG may also be produced by electrolyticprocesses using anodes and cathodes made from any suitable metal, orconstructed from metal oxide ceramics using morphology that permitsimmediate removal of hydrogen peroxide gas before it can be reduced.Alternatively, near-ideal gas PHPG may be produced by high frequencyexcitation of gaseous water and oxygen molecules on a suitablesupporting substrate using morphology that permits immediate removal ofhydrogen peroxide gas before it can be reduced.

As a near-ideal gas, hydrogen peroxide is not appreciably lighter thanor heavier than air, having a molar mass of 34.0148 grams per mole.Near-ideal gas phase hydrogen peroxide diffuses through air as any othernear-ideal gas would, and passes through air-permeable materials,unhindered by the surface tension of water as is seen in the behavior ofmicro-droplets comprising aqueous phase vapor forms of hydrogen peroxideoften referred to as gaseous.

In this form, near-ideal gas phase hydrogen peroxide can penetrate toany space that can be reached by air itself. This includes all areas inwhich arachnids and insects are present in a room, such as crevicesbetween materials, inside air-permeable cushions and in air-permeablebedding.

Continuously produced via a PHPG diffuser device, as discussed herein,an equilibrium concentration above 0.04 parts per million of near-idealgas phase hydrogen peroxide may be achieved and maintained continuouslyin an environment. At equilibrium at one atmosphere pressure and 19.51degrees Celsius, near-ideal gas phase hydrogen peroxide will be presentin every cubic micron of air at an average amount of one molecule percubic micron for each 0.04 parts per million of concentration. At onepart per million, the average number of hydrogen peroxide molecules percubic micron will be 25, and at 3.2 parts per million it will be 80.

Not to be limited by theory, near-ideal gas phase hydrogen peroxide willbe “inhaled” or processed by arthropods including but not limited toarachnids and insects along with air, causing damage to sensitivetissues and either killing the arthropod or resulting in changes inbehavior. In the case of arachnids, near-ideal gas phase hydrogenperoxide passes through tracheal tubes and body apertures to reachsensitive tissues and the book lungs of arachnids. The result ofcontinuous exposure to near-ideal gas phase hydrogen peroxide at evenlow concentrations is damage to the tissues used in air exchange, andthe death of the arachnid. Most arthropods, including insects do nothave lungs, but survive solely by distributing oxygen through the bodyby means of a network of tracheal tubes. By this means near-ideal gasphase hydrogen peroxide reaches every portion of an arthropod's body andcauses death to the arthropod, such as an insect. Not to be limited bytheory the near-ideal gas phase hydrogen peroxide damages their airexchange tissues.

By contrast, humans and other vertebrates have respiratory mechanismsthat protect them from equivalent concentrations of near-ideal gas phasehydrogen peroxide. Human lungs produce hydrogen peroxide at high ratesand a cubic micron of human lung secretion contains an equilibriumconcentration of between 600 molecules, and 60,000 molecules of hydrogenperoxide in aqueous phase, along with enzymes that consume hydrogenperoxide and regulate its concentration. Enzymes such as lactoperoxidaseand catalase which perform this function are known to have enzymaticvelocities of thousands of molecular reactions per second.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method of controlling anarthropods, such as insects or arachnids, in an environment isdisclosed. In certain aspects, the arthropods are part of a populationor a plurality of populations. In certain aspects, an arthropod, insect,or arachnid population is totally or partially killed. The methodgenerally comprises (a) generating a near-ideal gas comprised ofPurified Hydrogen Peroxide Gas (PHPG) that is substantially free of,e.g., hydration (i.e., non-hydrated, in the form of water in solution orwater molecules bonded by covalence, van der Waals forces, or Londonforces), ozone, plasma species, and/or organic species; and (b)directing the gas comprised of PHPG into the environment such that thePHPG controls arthropod, insect, or arachnid populations in theenvironment.

As used herein, the term “Purified Hydrogen Peroxide Gas” or PHPGgenerally means a gas form of hydrogen peroxide that is substantiallyfree of at least hydration (in the form of water in solution or watermolecules bonded by covalence, van der Waals forces, or London forces)and substantially free of ozone.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the terms “substantialabsence of ozone” “substantially free of ozone”, etc., generally meanamounts of ozone below about 0.015 ppm, down to levels below the LOD(level of detection) for ozone. Such levels are below the generallyaccepted limits for human health. In this regard, the Food and DrugAdministration (FDA) requires ozone output of indoor medical devices tobe no more than 0.05 ppm of ozone. The Occupational Safety and HealthAdministration (OSHA) requires that workers not be exposed to an averageconcentration of more than 0.10 ppm of ozone for 8 hours. The NationalInstitute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends an upperlimit of 0.10 ppm of ozone, not to be exceeded at any time.Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) National Ambient Air QualityStandard for ozone is a maximum 8 hour average outdoor concentration of0.08 ppm. The diffuser devices described herein have consistentlydemonstrated that they do not produce ozone at levels detectable bymeans of a Draeger Tube.

In certain aspects, the method comprises (a) exposing a metal, or metaloxide, catalyst to ultraviolet light in the presence of humid purifiedambient air under conditions so as to form near-ideal gas PurifiedHydrogen Peroxide Gas (PHPG) that is substantially free of at least oneof hydration (in the form of water in solution or water molecules bondedby covalence, van der Waals forces, or London forces), ozone, plasmaspecies, and organic species; and (b) directing the PHPG into theenvironment such that the PHPG controls arthropods in the environment.

In one aspect, the ultraviolet light produces at least one wavelength ina range above about 181 nm, above about 185 nm, above about 187 nm,between about 182 nm and about 254 nm, between about 187 nm and about250 nm, between about 188 nm and about 249 nm, between about 255 nm andabout 380 nm, etc. In certain aspects, wavelengths between about 255 nmand 380 nm may be preferred to improve yields of PHPG.

In certain aspects, the amount of PHPG may vary from about 0.005 ppm toabout 5.0 ppm, more particularly, from about 0.02 ppm to about 1.5 ppm,in the environment. In certain aspects, the amount of PHPG may vary fromabout 0.5 ppm to about 1.5 ppm. PHPG levels of 1.5 ppm using a feed ofuntreated air containing absolute humidity as low as 3.5 mg/L canconsistently be achieved. More particularly, PHPG levels from about 0.09ppm to about 5.0 ppm using humid re-circulated air, can be produced inthe environment to be treated. Also provided for an included are methodsof treating arthropod population comprising providing PHPG gas atbetween 0.4 to 1.0 ppm. In another aspect, PHPG may be provided atbetween 0.5 to 1.5 ppm for the control of arthropods. In certainembodiments, the level of PHPG is maintained at 1.0 ppm or less.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the humidity of theambient air is preferably above about 1% relative humidity (RH), aboveabout 5% RH, above about 10% RH, etc. In certain aspects, the humidityof the ambient air may be between about 10% and about 99% RH. In oneaspect, the method of the present disclosure includes regulating thehumidity of the ambient air within the range of about 5% to about 99%RH, or about 10 to about 99% RH.

A suitable diffuser device may be used to generate the near-ideal gasPHPG, such as those disclosed in WO/2009/021108 or WO/2010/093796, thecontents of which are herein incorporated by reference in theirentireties. The diffuser design may optimize near-ideal gas PHPGproduction by spreading the air permeable photocatalytic PHPG reactorsurface thinly over a large area that is perpendicular to air flow(e.g., in certain aspects, over a sail-like area), rather than bycompacting it into a volume-optimizing morphology designed to maximizeresidence time within the plasma reactor.

For example, by configuring the PHPG reactor morphology as a thin,sail-like air-permeable structure, just inside the diffuser's interiorshell, the exit path length for hydrogen peroxide molecules produced onthe catalyst becomes diminishingly short, and their residence timewithin the PHPG reactor structure is reduced to a fraction of a second,preventing the vast majority of hydrogen peroxide molecules from beingsubsequently adsorbed onto the catalyst and reduced back into water.Also, by placing the catalyst substrate just inside the interior surfaceof the diffuser shell, not only is PHPG reactor surface area maximized,but the near-ideal gas PHPG produced also passes out of the diffuseralmost immediately and thus avoids photolysis from prolonged exposure tothe UV light source. By means of this morphology, near-ideal gas PHPGoutput concentrations as high as 0.40 ppm may be achieved.

Generally, the present disclosure has been described in specific aspectswith some degree of particularity, it is to be understood that thisdescription has been given only by way of example and that numerouschanges in the details of construction, fabrication and use, includingthe combination and arrangement of parts, may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as shown in thefollowing example aspects.

In previous disclosures, obstacles in the field to produce highlyconcentrated non-hydrated Purified Hydrogen Peroxide Gas, are overcomeand the production of PHPG has many applications in domestic,industrial, and agricultural arenas. While conducting studies on theperformance and PHPG output of a PHPG producing apparatus and itsactivity on molds, bacteria and viruses, the surprising and unexpectedobservation that near-ideal gas phase hydrogen peroxide can be used tokill, partially kill, or modify the behavior of most species ofarthropods including insects and arachnids, among others. Without beinglimited by a particular theory, the surprising effects of PHPG gas onthe behavior of many species of insects and arachnids may be due atleast in part because many species of arthropods appear to have limitedor no natural protection against hydrogen peroxide gas.

Surprisingly, the inventors also discovered that non-hydrated hydrogenperoxide gas acts as a repellant against arthropods including arachnids,flying insects, and crawling insects, causing them to flee an areaprotected by the hydrogen peroxide gas and preventing them from enteringthe area. Further, the inventors found that hydrogen peroxide gas causesmany species of arthropods that are unable to flee a PHPG enriched areato become inactive and die over a period of time ranging from hours todays. The inventors also observed that hydrogen peroxide gas caninterrupt the life cycle of many species of arthropods, even causingpupae, larvae, and nits to die. Based on these findings, the applicationof PHPG gas to arthropod control has a wide range of beneficial uses inthe domestic, industrial and agricultural industries.

In addition to the broad effectiveness of PHPG for the control ofarthropods, PHPG, used at concentrations below a few parts per million,acts as a “green” pesticide which breaks down into water and oxygen inthe environment, leaving no toxic residue, and is not harmful to humans,pets, or plants.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides for, and includes, a method forcontrolling an arthropod in an environment comprising providing PurifiedHydrogen Peroxide Gas (PHPG) to an environment to prepare a PHPGcontaining environment having PHPG gas at a final concentration of atleast 0.05 parts per million and maintaining the PHPG containingenvironment for a time period sufficient to control an arthropod.

The present disclosure further provides for, and includes, a method oftreating an animal for an arthropod parasite comprising placing ananimal in a PHPG containing environment for a period of time.

The present disclosure further provides for, and includes, a method forcontrolling at least one insect or arachnid population in anenvironment, the comprising: (a) generating a gas comprising near-idealgas Purified Hydrogen Peroxide Gas (PHPG) that is substantiallynon-hydrated and substantially free of ozone, plasma species, andoptionally organic species; (b) directing the PHPG into the environmentsuch that the hydrogen peroxide gas acts to control at least one insector arachnid population in the environment.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides for, and includes, amethod of termite control comprising treating a termite infested housewith PHPG.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure provides for, and includes,a method of controlling arthropods in a greenhouse comprising providingPHPG to a green house.

In an aspect, the present disclosure further provides for, and includes,a method of treating a houseplant for the control of an arthropodcomprising placing an arthropod infested plant in a PHPG containingenvironment.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides for a method forcontrolling an arthropod in an agricultural product during shippingcomprising: providing Purified Hydrogen Peroxide Gas (PHPG) at aconcentration of at least 0.05 parts per million to a shipping containercontaining agricultural produce to prepare a PHPG containing shippingcontainer; shipping the PHPG containing shipping container; andmaintaining the PHPG concentration during the shipping, wherein thearthropod is controlled.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides for and includes a methodfor controlling an arthropod in a food processing facility comprisingproviding Purified Hydrogen Peroxide Gas (PHPG) at a concentration of atleast 0.05 parts per million to a food processing facility.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms as used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art. One skilled in the art will recognize many methods can be usedin the practice of the present disclosure. Indeed, the presentdisclosure is in no way limited to the methods and materials described.Any references cited herein are incorporated by reference in theirentireties. For purposes of the present disclosure, the following termsare defined below.

As used herein, “a reduction” of a population of arthropods such as aninsect population or arachnid population in an environment having PHPGmeans that the level is reduced relative to the numbers of organisms ofa population in an environment lacking PHPG. In some aspects, areduction may occur due to the death or incapacitation of an arthropodpopulation or due to the exit of members of the population from the PHPGcontaining environment.

As used herein, the term “at least a partial reduction” of a populationof arthropods such as an insect population or arachnid population in anenvironment having PHPG means that the level is reduced by at least 25%relative to the numbers of organisms of a population in an environmentlacking PHPG. Also as used herein, it is understood that in environmentshaving multiple populations of arthropods, each population may be“partially reduced” independently.

As used herein, the term “a substantial reduction” of a population ofarthropods such as an insect population or arachnid population in anenvironment having PHPG means that the level is reduced by at least 75%relative to the numbers of organisms of a population in an environmentlacking PHPG. Also as used herein, it is understood that in environmentshaving multiple populations of arthropods, each population may be“substantially reduced” independently.

As used herein, the term “an effective elimination” of a population ofarthropods such as an insect population or arachnid population in anenvironment having PHPG means that the level is reduced by greater than95% relative to the numbers of organisms of a population in anenvironment lacking PHPG. Also as used herein, it is understood that inenvironments having multiple populations of arthropods, each populationmay be “effectively eliminated” independently. An effective amount ofPHPG is preferably capable of providing at least a partial reduction,more preferably a substantial reduction, or most preferably effectiveelimination of an arthropod population.

As used herein, the terms “suppress,” “repress,” and “downregulate” whenreferring to a population of arthropods used equivalently herein andmean that the levels of a population of arthropods are reduced relativeto the number of arthropods in a population that would occur in theabsence of PHPG under similar or identical conditions.

As used herein, the terms “control,” “controls,” or “controlling” apopulation of arthropods by providing PHPG to the arthropod for a periodof time refers to either the killing of the arthropod, induction of abehavioral change in the arthropod, or both, that results in reductionof the population of the arthropod in the PHPG environment relative toan untreated environment. As provided in detail below, differentarthropod populations are controlled at different levels of PHPG and mayrequire different periods of exposure to the PHPG environment toaccomplish desired levels of reduction.

As used herein, the singular form “a,” “an” and “the” include pluralreferences unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example,the term “an arthropod” or “at least one arthropod” may include aplurality of arthropods, including mixtures thereof. Also as usedherein, an arthropod includes and provides for a population ofarthropods. As used herein, a population of arthropods may furtherinclude a mixed population of arthropods.

The present disclosure provides for an includes method for controllingan arthropod by providing PHPG to the arthropod for a period of time. Anarthropod may be controlled in a variety of ways including by killingthe arthropod at one or more stages of development or as an adult. Incertain aspects, providing PHPG to an environment leads to the death ofthe arthropod after a period of time. In an aspect, providing PHPG gasprovides for the death of a nymph stage of an arthropod. In an aspect,PHPG gas causes the death of an arthropod egg such that larvae neverhatch. In an aspect, PHPG acts on adult stages of an arthropod. In someaspects, providing PHPG is an effective arthropodicide against alldevelopmental stages of an arthropod species. As provided below, boththe length of time necessary to kill the arthropod and the amount ofPHGP necessary to kill the arthropod may vary depending on the speciesof the arthropod.

The present disclosure also includes and provides for methods of controlwhich disrupt the behavior of the arthropod. In some aspects, themethods of control provide for both the disruption of arthropod behaviorand provide arthropodicidal effects. In some aspects, after initialexposure to a concentration of PHPG, the arthropod ceases all activityand becomes immobile and dormant. In other aspects, exposure to aconcentration of PHPG leads to enhanced activity of the arthropod. Incertain aspects, the activity of flying arthropods greatly increases andcan be characterized by high agitation and frantic activity. In aspectsaccording to the present disclosure, control of an arthropod afterexposure to PHPG includes disruption of normal mating behavior. Otherbehavioral changes observed in arthropods exposed to PHPG containingenvironments includes disorientation. In an aspect, the present methodsincluded inducing disorientation in an arthropod species. In someaspects, disorientation leads to a loss of feeding behavior. In otheraspects, disorientation leads to a loss of mating behavior.

In certain aspects according to the present disclosure, changes inbehavior caused by exposure to PHPG may also be accompanied by physicalsigns of distress of the arthropod. In some aspects, physical signs ofdistress include regurgitation of recent meals. In another aspect, thearthropod may prematurely lay eggs. In certain aspects, the prematurelylaid eggs may be fertilized eggs. In other aspects, the prematurely laideggs may be un-fertilized. In aspects according the present disclosure,exposure to PHPG gas results in the death of the prematurely laid eggs.

Also provided and included in the present disclosure are methods ofcontrolling larval forms of an arthropod. In certain aspects, providinga PHPG leads to the premature hatching of an immature egg. In an aspect,methods to control an arthropod lead to the death of larval forms of anarthropod. In some aspects, larval forms are more sensitive to exposureto PHPG than adult or nymph forms. Thus, in some aspects lower levels ofPHPG may control immature forms of arthropods where the adult form issignificantly less affected. In some aspects, PHPG is provided to alarval form to inhibit the metamorphosis of the larva. In an aspect,PHPG may be provided at sufficient levels to act as a larvacide. Thepresent disclosure further provides for and includes methods of killingnymph forms of arthropods.

For many arthropods, exposure to PHPG leads to significant changes inbehavior and PHPG acts as a very strong repellent. In some aspects,exposure to PHPG leads arthropods to search for an exit from the PHPGcontaining environment. In an aspect where the arthropod is unable toescape, the arthropod locates to a source of fresh (non-PHPG containing)air and attempts to survive. In household or non-experimental setting,such arthropods would exit the domicile or environment. Similarly,arthropods are repelled from entering environments that have even verylow concentrations of PHPG. Thus the present disclosure provides formethods of controlling an arthropod by providing a PHPG containingenvironment and repelling insects, thereby blocking their entry.

In aspects according to the present disclosure, PHPG levels may beprovided in excess over the amount necessary to kill a arthropodspecies. In such aspects,

The control methods of the present disclosure are effective againstalmost every arthropod tested including examples from multiplephylogenetic orders and classes. The few arthropods that appear to beresistant to PHPG levels up to 0.6 ppm for 24 hours included adultcockroaches and tarantula spiders. PHPG is lethal to most species.Determining whether any specific species of arthropod is resistant orsusceptible can be easily performed using the methods described belowand known to one of skill in the art.

Certain arthropods are more susceptible to the methods of the presentdisclosure. Not to be limited by theory, flying insects, such asDiptera, are generally most susceptible due to high activity and rapidpumping of air containing hydrogen peroxide through their trachealtubes. Accordingly, methods to control flying insects require lowerlevels of PHPG gas and are particularly suited to methods of controlwherein the arthropod is repelled from the PHPG containing environment.

With respect to arachnids, those species having ‘book lungs’ aregenerally more susceptible than the tracheal tube systems of crawlinginsects. The present disclosure provides for and includes methods ofcontrolling book lung containing arthropods including arachnids andscorpions.

In some aspects, larger arthropods appear to be more resistant to thekilling effects of a PHPG environment. Not to be limited by theory, thismay be the result of an increased diffusion distance to more sensitiveportions of the arthropod body. Alternatively, the larger arthropod maybe able to survive longer on stored oxygen once the tracheal system isclosed off. In aspects according the present disclosure, resistance maybe overcome by either increasing the length of time of the exposure,increasing the concentration of PHPG gas in the environment, or both.

It is understood that using the methods of the present disclosure andthe knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art, the particular effecton an arthropod may be readily determined. Further the level of PHPGnecessary to kill, inhibit, or repel a given arthropod as well as thelength of time necessary to kill, inhibit, or repel may be readilydetermined using the disclosed methods and knowledge known in the art.

Without being limiting, PHPG may be produced by a device for producingnon-hydrated PHPG having an enclosure, an air distribution mechanismproviding an airflow, a thin air-permeable substrate structure having acatalyst on its surface, and a source of light, where the airflow isthrough the air-permeable substrate structure and the device producesPHPG and directs it out of the enclosure when in operation. In someaspects, the source of light is a source of ultraviolet light. In someaspects, the airflow comprises an angle of incidence to the substratestructure that is greater than 45 degrees. In one aspect, the angle ofincidence is 90 degrees. In another aspect, the airflow comprises airthat has a humidity of at least 5%. In one aspect, the device furthercomprises a humidifier. The some aspects, the thin air-permeablesubstrate structure is between about 5 nm and about 750 nm thick. A moredetailed explanation of a PHPG producing devices can be found in U.S.Pat. No. 8,168,122, U.S. Pat. No. 8,685,329, and U.S. Patent ApplicationNo. 61/988,535, the contents of all of which are herein incorporated intheir entireties.

In aspects according to the present disclosure, a PHPG generating devicemay be incorporated into an air conditioner, a furnace, or a heating,ventilation, or an air-conditioning (HVAC) system.

The present disclosure provides for an includes a method for treating ahouse for an arthropod comprising providing PHPG to an environmentwithin the house at a concentration of at least 0.05 ppm for a period oftime, wherein the arthropod is controlled. In some aspects, the finalPHPG concentration in said environment is at least 0.1 ppm. In otheraspects, In other aspects, the final PHPG concentration in saidenvironment is at least 0.2 ppm, least 0.4 ppm, least 0.6 ppm, or least0.8 ppm. In one aspect, the final PHPG concentration in said environmentis less than 1.0 ppm. In some aspects, the arthropod is selected fromthe group consisting of molds, mosquitoes, ants, termites, flies, moths,earwigs, crickets, centipedes, millipedes, roaches, and beetles. In oneaspect, treating includes repelling from the PHPG containing environmentor preventing entry into the PHPG containing environment by an arthropodselected from the group consisting of molds, mosquitoes, ants, termites,flies, moths, earwigs, crickets, centipedes, millipedes, roaches, andbeetles. In another aspect, treating includes killing of an arthropodselected from the group consisting of molds, mosquitoes, ants, termites,flies, moths, earwigs, crickets, centipedes, millipedes, roaches, andbeetles. In one aspect, the method includes killing mold in mold-proneareas such as basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. In one aspect, themethod includes providing a relatively high concentration of PHPG for aperiod of time to kill an anthrop, followed by maintaining a lowerconcentration of PHPG to repel an arthropod from entering, or growing inan environment within the house. In one aspect, the method includespreventing mold from growing in mold-prone areas such as basements,kitchens, and bathrooms.

The present disclosure provides for and includes a method forcontrolling an arthropod in a storage facility. Storage facilitiesaccording to the present disclosure include personal and industrialstorage facilities. In an aspect, the method includes providing aconcentration of PHPG sufficient to repel flying insects. In an aspect,the methods include providing a concentration of PHPG sufficient to killflying insects. In an aspect, the method includes providing aconcentration of PHPG sufficient to prevent mold from growing within thestorage facility. In an aspect, the methods include providing aconcentration of PHPG sufficient to kill mold within the storagefacility. In certain aspects, the PHPG is provided continuously to thestorage facility. In other aspects, the PHPG is provided intermittentlyto the storage facility. In an aspect, the PHPG is provided during thedaytime. In another aspect, the PHPG is provided during the overnighthours.

In aspects according the present disclosure, the PHPG for treating astorage facility is provided at a final concentration to a storagefacility of at least 0.1 ppm. In another aspect, the PHPG concentrationis provided and maintained at a concentration of at least 0.2 ppm. In afurther aspect, the PHPG concentration is provided and maintained at aconcentration of at least 0.3 ppm. In a further aspect, the PHPGconcentration is provided and maintained at a concentration of at least0.4 ppm. In a further aspect, the PHPG concentration is provided andmaintained at a concentration of at least 0.5 ppm, least 0.6 ppm, least0.7 ppm, least 0.8 ppm, or at least 0.9 ppm. In one aspect, the PHPGconcentration is provided and maintained at less than 1.0 ppm. In oneaspect, the PHPG concentration is provided and maintained between 0.1and 0.6 ppm. In another aspect, the PHPG concentration is provided andmaintained between 0.4 and 1.0 ppm. Persons of ordinary skill in the artmay readily determine a preferred level of PHPG in view of the currentdisclosure and further in view of the type, number, and source of thearthropod species.

The present disclosure provides for and includes a method forcontrolling an arthropod in a lodging facility comprising providing PHPGto an environment within the lodging facility at a concentration of atleast 0.05 ppm for a period of time, where the arthropod population iscontrolled. Lodging facilities according to the present disclosureinclude but are not limited to hotels, motels, hostels, bed andbreakfast facilities, tents, campers, and cottages. In an aspect, themethod includes providing a concentration of PHPG sufficient to repelflying insects, fleas, mites, and lice. In an aspect, the methodsinclude providing a concentration of PHPG sufficient to kill flyinginsects. In an aspect, the method includes providing a concentration ofPHPG sufficient to repel bed bugs. In an aspect, the method includesproviding a concentration of PHPG sufficient to prevent mold fromgrowing within the lodging facility. In an aspect, the methods includeproviding a concentration of PHPG sufficient to kill flying insects,fleas, mites, and lice within the lodging facility. In an aspect, themethods include providing a concentration of PHPG sufficient to killmold within the lodging facility. In an aspect, the methods includeproviding a concentration of PHPG sufficient to kill bed bugs within thelodging facility. In certain other aspects, the PHPG is providedcontinuously to the lodging facility. In other aspects, the PHPG isprovided intermittently to the lodging facility. In an aspect, the PHPGis provided during the daytime. In another aspect, the PHPG is providedduring the overnight hours. In one aspect, the PHPG is only providedwhen the lodging facility is unoccupied. In some aspects, the PHPG isproduced by a stand-alone device. In other aspects, the PHPG is producedby a PHPG producing device that is incorporated into an air conditioner,a furnace, or a heating, ventilation, or an air-conditioning (HVAC)system.

In aspects according the present disclosure, the PHPG is provided to alodging facility at a final concentration of at least 0.1 ppm. Inanother aspect, the PHPG concentration is provided and maintained at aconcentration of at least 0.2 ppm. In a further aspect, the PHPGconcentration is provided and maintained at a concentration of at least0.3 ppm. In a further aspect, the PHPG concentration is provided andmaintained at a concentration of at least 0.4 ppm. In a further aspect,the PHPG concentration is provided and maintained at a concentration ofat least 0.5 ppm, least 0.6 ppm, least 0.7 ppm, least 0.8 ppm, or atleast 0.9 ppm. In one aspect, the PHPG concentration is provided andmaintained at less than 1.0 ppm. In one aspect, the PHPG concentrationis provided and maintained between 0.1 and 0.6 ppm. In another aspect,the PHPG concentration is provided and maintained between 0.4 and 1.0ppm. Persons of ordinary skill in the art may readily determine apreferred level of PHPG in view of the current disclosure and further inview of the type, number, and source of the arthropod species.

The present disclosure provides for and includes a method forcontrolling an arthropod in a greenhouse. Greenhouses according to thepresent disclosure include personal and industrial greenhouse. In anaspect, the method includes providing a concentration of PHPG sufficientto repel flying insects. In an aspect, the methods include providing aconcentration of PHPG sufficient to kill flying insects. In an aspect,the method includes providing a concentration of PHPG sufficient toprevent mold from growing within the greenhouse. In an aspect, themethods include providing a concentration of PHPG sufficient to killmold within the greenhouse. In certain aspects, the PHPG is providedcontinuously to the greenhouse. In other aspects, the PHPG is providedintermittently to the greenhouse. In an aspect, the PHPG is providedduring the daytime. In another aspect, the PHPG is provided during thenighttime.

In aspects according the present disclosure, the PHPG for treating agreenhouse is provided at a final concentration to a greenhouse of atleast 0.1 ppm. In another aspect, the PHPG concentration is provided andmaintained at a concentration of at least 0.2 ppm. In a further aspect,the PHPG concentration is provided and maintained at a concentration ofat least 0.3 ppm. In a further aspect, the PHPG concentration isprovided and maintained at a concentration of at least 0.4 ppm. In afurther aspect, the PHPG concentration is provided and maintained at aconcentration of at least 0.5 ppm, at least 0.6 ppm, at least 0.7 ppm,at least 0.8 ppm, or at least 0.9 ppm. In one aspect, the PHPGconcentration is provided and maintained at less than 1.0 ppm. In oneaspect, the PHPG concentration is provided and maintained between 0.1and 0.6 ppm. In another aspect, the PHPG concentration is provided andmaintained between 0.4 and 1.0 ppm. Persons of ordinary skill in the artmay readily determine a preferred level of PHPG in view of the currentdisclosure and further in view of the type, number, and source of thearthropod species.

The present disclosure provides for an includes a method treating adomesticated animal for the control of an arthropod comprising placingan animal in a PHPG containing environment for a period of time. In anaspect, the method includes providing a concentration of PHPG sufficientto repel ticks, fleas, mites, and lice. In another aspect, the methodsinclude providing a concentration of PHPG sufficient to kill ticks,fleas, mites, and lice. In one aspect, the domesticated animal isselected from the group consisting of a cat, a dog, and a rodent.

In aspects according the present disclosure, the PHPG for treating adomesticated animal is provided at a final concentration to anenvironment for treating a domesticated animal of at least 0.1 ppm. Inanother aspect, the PHPG concentration is provided and maintained at aconcentration of at least 0.2 ppm. In a further aspect, the PHPGconcentration is provided and maintained at a concentration of at least0.3 ppm. In a further aspect, the PHPG concentration is provided andmaintained at a concentration of at least 0.4 ppm. In a further aspect,the PHPG concentration is provided and maintained at a concentration ofat least 0.5 ppm, least 0.6 ppm, least 0.7 ppm, least 0.8 ppm, or atleast 0.9 ppm. In one aspect, the PHPG concentration is provided andmaintained at less than 1.0 ppm. In one aspect, the PHPG concentrationis provided and maintained between 0.1 and 0.6 ppm. In another aspect,the PHPG concentration is provided and maintained between 0.4 and 1.0ppm. Persons of ordinary skill in the art may readily determine apreferred level of PHPG in view of the current disclosure and further inview of the type, number, and source of the arthropod species.

The present disclosure provides for an includes a method treating ananimal for an arthropod parasite comprising placing an animal in a PHPGcontaining environment for a period of time. In some aspects, the finalPHPG concentration in said PHPG containing environment is at least 0.05parts per million. In other aspects, the final PHPG concentration insaid PHPG containing environment is less than 1.0 ppm. In some aspects,the animals is left in said PHPG containing environment for a timeperiod sufficient to control said arthropod. In as aspect of the method,said animal is a domestic pet. In one aspect, the domestic pet selectedfrom the group consisting of a cat, a dog, or a rodent. In other aspectsof the disclosure, the animal is a livestock animal. In some aspects,the livestock animal is selected from the group consisting of cattle,horses, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, and geese. In one aspect,the arthropod is selected from the group consisting of ticks, hornflies, face flies, stable flies, biting lice, sucking lice, grubs andmites. In some aspects, the arthropod is a member of the phylogeneticclass Mallophaga (chewing lice). In one aspect, the Mallophaga isselected from the group consisting of Bovicola ovis (sheep bitinglouse), Menacanthus stramineus (chicken body louse), and Menopongallinea (common hen louse). In one aspect, the arthropod is selectedfrom the group consisting shaft louse, wing louse, chicken head louse,northern fowl mite, red chicken mite, tropical fowl mite, fowl tick, andsticklight flea.

The present disclosure provides for and includes a method forcontrolling an arthropod in a food processing facility. In aspectsaccording to the present disclosure, a food processing facilitytransforms a raw ingredients into food or food into processed forms.Food processing facilities according to the present disclosure includerestaurants, food distribution centers, food packaging plants, renderingplants, abattoirs, fish canneries, and grocery stores. In an aspect, themethod includes providing a concentration of PHPG sufficient to repelflying insects. In an aspect, the methods include providing aconcentration of PHPG sufficient to kill flying insects. In certainaspects, the PHPG is provided continuously to the food processingfacility. In other aspects, the PHPG is provided intermittently to thefood processing facility. In an aspect, the PHPG is provided duringworking hours. In another aspect, the PHPG is provided duringnon-working hours.

In aspects according the present disclosure, the PHPG for the treatmentof a food processing facility is provided at a final concentration to afood processing facility of at least 0.1 ppm. In another aspect, thePHPG concentration is provided and maintained at a concentration of atleast 0.2 ppm. In a further aspect, the PHPG concentration is providedand maintained at a concentration of at least 0.3 ppm. In a furtheraspect, the PHPG concentration is provided and maintained at aconcentration of at least 0.4 ppm. In a further aspect, the PHPGconcentration is provided and maintained at a concentration of at least0.5 ppm, least 0.6 ppm, least 0.7 ppm, least 0.8 ppm, or at least 0.9ppm. In one aspect, the PHPG concentration is provided and maintained atless than 1.0 ppm. In one aspect, the PHPG concentration is provided andmaintained between 0.1 and 0.6 ppm. In another aspect, the PHPGconcentration is provided and maintained between 0.4 and 1.0 ppm.Persons of ordinary skill in the art may readily determine a preferredlevel of PHPG in view of the current disclosure and further in view ofthe type, number, and source of the arthropod species.

The present disclosure provides for and includes a method for treating ahouse for a termite population comprising providing PHPG to anenvironment within the house at a concentration of at least 0.05 ppm fora period of time, wherein the termite population is controlled. In anaspect, the method includes providing a concentration of PHPG sufficientto repel termites. In an aspect, the methods include providing aconcentration of PHPG sufficient to kill termites. In an aspect, themethod includes providing a concentration of PHPG sufficient to causethe termites to cease eating. In certain aspects, the PHPG is providedcontinuously to the environment within the house. In other aspects, thePHPG is provided intermittently to the environment within the house. Inan aspect, the PHPG is provided during the daytime. In another aspect,the PHPG is provided during the overnight hours.

In aspects according the present disclosure, the PHPG for the treatmentof termites is provided at a final concentration to the environmentwithin the house of at least 0.1 ppm. In another aspect, the PHPGconcentration is provided and maintained at a concentration of at least0.2 ppm. In a further aspect, the PHPG concentration is provided andmaintained at a concentration of at least 0.3 ppm. In a further aspect,the PHPG concentration is provided and maintained at a concentration ofat least 0.4 ppm. In a further aspect, the PHPG concentration isprovided and maintained at a concentration of at least 0.5 ppm, least0.6 ppm, least 0.7 ppm, least 0.8 ppm, or at least 0.9 ppm. In oneaspect, the PHPG concentration is provided and maintained at less than1.0 ppm. In one aspect, the PHPG concentration is provided andmaintained between 0.1 and 0.6 ppm. In another aspect, the PHPGconcentration is provided and maintained between 0.4 and 1.0 ppm.Persons of ordinary skill in the art may readily determine a preferredlevel of PHPG in view of the current disclosure and further in view ofthe type, number, and source of the arthropod species.

The present disclosure provides for an includes a method for controllingan arthropod in cloths or linens during storage comprising providingPHPG to a storage container or package containing cloths or linens for aperiod of time. In an aspect, the method includes providing aconcentration of PHPG sufficient to repel moths, flies, fleas, mites,and lice. In another aspect, the methods include providing aconcentration of PHPG sufficient to kill moths, flies, ticks, fleas,mites, and lice. In one aspect, the cloths or linens are to be storedfor the winter. In another aspect, the cloths or linens are to be storedfor the summer. In certain aspects, the PHPG is provided continuously tothe storage container or package. In other aspects, the PHPG is providedintermittently to the storage container or package. In one aspect, thePHPG is provided to the storage container or package at a desiredconcentration prior to sealing the storage container or packageindefinitely.

In aspects according the present disclosure, the PHPG for controlling anarthropod in cloths or linens during storage is provided at a finalconcentration to cloths or linens of at least 0.1 ppm. In anotheraspect, the PHPG concentration is provided and maintained at aconcentration of at least 0.2 ppm. In a further aspect, the PHPGconcentration is provided and maintained at a concentration of at least0.3 ppm. In a further aspect, the PHPG concentration is provided andmaintained at a concentration of at least 0.4 ppm. In a further aspect,the PHPG concentration is provided and maintained at a concentration ofat least 0.5 ppm, least 0.6 ppm, least 0.7 ppm, least 0.8 ppm, or atleast 0.9 ppm. In one aspect, the PHPG concentration is provided andmaintained at less than 1.0 ppm. In one aspect, the PHPG concentrationis provided and maintained between 0.1 and 0.6 ppm. In another aspect,the PHPG concentration is provided and maintained between 0.4 and 1.0ppm. Persons of ordinary skill in the art may readily determine apreferred level of PHPG in view of the current disclosure and further inview of the type, number, and source of the arthropod species.

The present disclosure provides for and includes a method forcontrolling an arthropod in an agricultural product during shippingcomprising providing PHPG to a shipping container containing anagricultural product to prepare a PHPG containing shipping container,shipping said container and maintaining said PHPG concentration at apredetermined concentration. In an aspect, the PHPG concentration isprovided and maintained at a concentration of at least 0.05 parts permillion (ppm). In one aspect, PHPG concentration is provided andmaintained at a concentration of at least 0.1 ppm. In another aspect,the PHPG concentration is provided and maintained at a concentration ofat least 0.2 ppm. In a further aspect, the PHPG concentration isprovided and maintained at a concentration of at least 0.3 ppm. In afurther aspect, the PHPG concentration is provided and maintained at aconcentration of at least 0.4 ppm. In a further aspect, the PHPGconcentration is provided and maintained at a concentration of at least0.5 ppm, least 0.6 ppm, least 0.7 ppm, least 0.8 ppm, or at least 0.9ppm. In one aspect, the PHPG concentration is provided and maintained atless than 1.0 ppm. In one aspect, the PHPG concentration is provided andmaintained between 0.1 and 0.6 ppm. In another aspect, the PHPGconcentration is provided and maintained between 0.4 and 1.0 ppm. In oneaspect, the shipping container is continuously flushed with PHPGcontaining flushing gas. In one aspect, the PHPG containing flushing gascontains argon. Also included and provided for in the present disclosureare methods in which the PHPG is initially provided at concentrationthat is greater than the shipping concentration to provide enhancedinitial killing of an arthropod. Using the methods below and those knownin the art, determining the optimal amounts of PHPG during shipping maybe accomplished with no more than routine experimentation.

In some aspects, the agricultural product for shipping under conditionsfor the control of an arthropod by PHPG is a fruit. In other aspects,the agricultural product is a vegetable. In other aspects, theagricultural product is a nut, a seed, or a meat. In some aspects,shipping containers are built to international standard making theminterchangeable between shipping companies, rail and truck companies. Inyet other aspects, the shipping containers may be optionallyrefrigerated, heated or otherwise treated as is standard duringshipping. In aspects according to the present disclosure, theagricultural product shipped under conditions having PHGP is a banana.In an aspect the agricultural product is bulk coffee. In another aspectthe agricultural product is soybean. In another aspect the agriculturalproduct is a grain. In an aspect the grain is selected from the groupconsisting of rice, wheat, corn, and barley. In another aspect theagricultural product is a perishable product. In certain aspects, theagricultural product is shipped in an environment having PHPG tominimize or avoid the transport and introduction of foreign species.

The present disclosure provides for, and includes, methods for thecontrol of a member of the phylum Arthropoda. In an aspect, thearthropod may be a part of a population. In certain aspects, apopulation of arthropods may include members at a variety of stages ofdevelopment including without limitation eggs, larva, pupae, nymphs, andadults. In other aspects according to the present disclosure, thecontrolled arthropods may be part of a mixed population comprising twoor more different populations of arthropods. Sources of detailedphylogenetic, behavioral, and physical characteristics are known tothose of skill in the art. For example on the internet atinsects.tamu.edu, and bugguide.net.

In some aspects, the eggs may be mature, immature, fertilized orunfertilized. In some aspects, the larva may be at various stages ofdevelopment. In some aspects, the nymphs may be at any stage ofdevelopment.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides for and includesmethods for the control of arthropods that are members of thephylogenetic order Homoptera. Members of the order Homoptera that may becontrolled according to the methods of the present disclosure include,for example, Aleurodes brassicae, Bemisia tabaci, Trialeurodesvaporariorum, Aphis gossypii, Brevicoryne brassicae, Cryptomyzus ribis,Doralis fabae, Doralis pomi, Eriosoma lanigerum, Hyalopterus arundinis,Macrosiphum avenae, Myzus spp., Phorodon humuli, Rhopalosiphum padi,Phydloxera vastatrix, Pemphigus spp. Empoasca spp., Euscelis bilobatus,Nephotettix cincticeps, Lecanium corni, Saissetia oleae, Laodelphaxstriatellus, Nilaparvata lugens, Aonidiella aurantii, Aspidiotushederae, Pseudococcus spp. and Psylla spp.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides for and includesmethods for the control of arthropods that are members of thephylogenetic order Lepidoptera. Members of the order Lepidoptera thatmay be controlled according the methods of the present disclosureinclude, for example, Pectinophora gossypiella, Bupalus piniarius,Chemiatobia brumata, Lithocolletis blancardclia, Hyponomeuta padella,Plutella maculipennis, Malacosoma neustria, Euproctis chrysorrhoea,Lynmantria spp., Bucculatrix thurberiella, Phyllocnistis citrella,Agrotis spp. Euxoa spp., Feltia spp., Earias insulana, Heliothis spp.,Spodoptera exigua, Mamestra brassicae, Panolis flammea, Prodenia litura,Spodoptera litura, Spodoptera spp., Trichoplusia ni, Carpocapsapomnonella, Pieris spp., Chilo spp., Pyrausta nubilalis, Ephestiakuehniella, Glalleria mellonella, Tineola bisselliella, Tineapellionella, Hofmannophila pseudospretella, Cacoccia podana, Capuareticulana, Choristoneura fiuniferana, Clysia ambiguella, Homonamagnanima and Tortrix viridana.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides for and includesmethods for the control of arthropods that are members of thephylogenetic order Coleoptera. Members of the order Coleoptera that maybe controlled according the methods of the present disclosure include,for example, Anobium punctatum, Rhizopertha dominica, Bruchidiusobtectus, Acanthoscelides obtectus, Hylotrupes bajulus, Agelastica alni,Leptinotarsa decemlincata, Phaedon cochleariae, Diabrotica spp.,Psylliodes chrysocephala, Epilachna varivestis, Atomaria spp.,Oryzaephilus surinamnensis, Anthonomus spp., Sitophilus spp.,Otiorrhynchus sulcatus, Cosmopolites sordidus, Ceuthorrhynchusassimilis, Hypera postica, Dermestes spp., Trogoderma spp., Anthrenusspp., Attagenus spp., Lyctus spp., Meligethes aeneus. Ptinus spp.,Niptus hololeucus, Gibbium psylloides, Tribolium spp. Tenebrio molitor,Agriotes spp., Conoderus spp., Melolontha melolontha, Amphimallonsolstitialis and Costelytra zealandica.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides for and includesmethods for the control of arthropods that are members of thephylogenetic order Coleoptera. Members of the order Coleoptera that maybe controlled according the methods of the present disclosure include,for example, Acalymma vittatum, Acanthoscelides obtectus, Adoretus spp.,Agelastica alni, Agriotes spp., Alphitobius diaperinus, Amphimallonsolstitialis, Anoplophora spp., Anthonomus spp., Anthrenus spp., Apionspp., Apogonia spp., Atomaria spp., Attagenus spp., Bruchidius obtectus,Bruchus spp., Cassida spp., Cerotoma trifurcata, Ceutorrhynchus spp.,Chaetocnema spp., Cleonus mendicus, Conoderus spp., Cosmopolites spp.,Costelytra zealandica, Ctenicera spp., Curculio spp., Cryptorhynchuslapathi, Cylindrocopturus spp., Dermestes spp., Diabrotica spp.,Dichocrocis spp., Diloboderus spp., Epilachna spp., Epitrix spp.,Faustinus spp., Gibbium psylloides, Hellula undalis, Heteronychusarator, Heteronyx spp., Hylamorpha elegans, Hylotrupes bajulus, Hyperapostica, Hypothenemus spp., Lachnosterna consanguinea, Lema spp.,Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Leucoptera spp., Lisso-rhoptrus oryzophilus,Lixus spp., Luperodes spp., Lyctus spp., Megascelis spp., Melanotusspp., Meligethes aeneus, Melolontha spp., Migdolus spp., Monochamusspp., Naupactus xanthographus, Niptus hololeucus, Oryctes rhinoceros,Oryzaephilus surinamensis, Oryzaphagus oryzae, Otiorrhynchus spp.,Oxycetonia jucunda, Phaedon cochleariae, Phyllophaga spp., Phyllotretaspp., Popillia japonica, Premnotrypes spp., Prostephanus truncatus,Psylliodes spp., Ptinus spp., Rhizobius ventralis, Rhizopertha dominica,Sitophilus spp., Sphenophorus spp., Stegobium paniceum, Sternechus spp.,Symphyletes spp., Tanymecus spp., Tenebrio molitor, Tribolium spp.,Trogoderma spp., Tychius spp., Xylotrechus spp., and Zabrus spp.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides for and includesmethods for the control of arthropods that are members of thephylogenetic class Arachnida. Members of the class Arachnida that may becontrolled according the methods of the present disclosure include, forexample, Acarus spp., Aceria sheldoni, Aculops spp., Aculus spp.,Amblyomma spp., Amphitetranychus viennensis, Argas spp., Boophilus spp.,Brevipalpus spp., Bryobia praetiosa, Centruroides spp., Chorioptes spp.,Dermanyssus gallinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssius, Dermatophagoidesfarinae, Dermacentor spp., Eotetranychus spp., Epitrimerus pyri,Eutetranychus spp., Eriophyes spp., Halotydeus destructor,Hemitarsonemus spp., Hyalomma spp., Ixodes spp., Latrodectus spp.,Loxosceles spp., Metatetranychus spp., Nuphersa spp., Oligonychus spp.,Ornithodorus spp., Ornithonyssus spp., Panonychus spp., Phyllocoptrutaoleivora, Polyphagotarsonemus latus, Psoroptes spp., Rhipicephalus spp.,Rhizoglyphus spp., Sarcoptes spp., Scorpio maurus, Stenotarsonemus spp.,Tarsonemus spp., Tetranychus spp., Vaejovis spp., and Vasateslycopersici.

In another aspect, the present disclosure also provides for and includesmethods to control arthropods that are Coleoptera (beetles). Anon-exhaustive list of these arthropods includes, but is not limited to,Acanthoscelides spp. (weevils), Acanthoscelides obtectus (common beanweevil), Agrilus planipennis (emerald ash borer), Agriotes spp.(wireworms), Anoplophora glabripennis (Asian longhorned beetle),Anthonomus spp. (weevils), Anthonomus grandis (boll weevil), Aphidiusspp., Apion spp. (weevils), Apogonia spp. (grubs), Ataenius spretulus(Black Turgrass Ataenius), Atomaria linearis (pygmy mangold beetle),Aulacophore spp., Bothynoderes punctiventris (beet root weevil), Bruchusspp. (weevils), Bruchus pisorum (pea weevil), Cacoesia spp.,Callosobruchus maculatus (southern cow pea weevil), Carpophilushemipteras (dried fruit beetle), Cassida vittata, Cerosterna spp.,Cerotoma spp. (chrysomeids), Cerotoma trifurcata (bean leaf beetle),Ceutorhynchus spp. (weevils), Ceutorhynchus assimilis (cabbage seedpodweevil), Ceutorhynchus napi (cabbage curculio), Chaetocnema spp.(chrysomelids), Colaspis spp. (soil beetles), Conoderus scalaris,Conoderus stigmosus, Conotrachelus nenuphar (plum curculio), Cotinusnitidis (Green June beetle), Crioceris asparagi (asparagus beetle),Cryptolestes ferrugineus (rusty grain beetle), Cryptolestes pusillus(flat grain beetle), Cryptolestes turcicus (Turkish grain beetle),Ctenicera spp. (wireworms), Curculio spp. (weevils), Cyclocephala spp.(grubs), Cylindrocpturus adspersus (sunflower stem weevil), Deporausmarginatus (mango leaf-cutting weevil), Dermestes lardarius (larderbeetle), Dermestes maculates (hide beetle), Diabrotica spp.(chrysolemids), Epilachna varivestis (Mexican bean beetle), Faustinuscubae, Hylobius pales (pales weevil), Hypera spp. (weevils), Hyperapostica (alfalfa weevil), Hyperdoes spp. (Hyperodes weevil),Hypothenemus hampei (coffee berry beetle), Ips spp. (engravers),Lasioderma serricorne (cigarette beetle), Leptinotarsa decemlineata(Colorado potato beetle), Liogenys fuscus, Liogenys suturalis,Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus (rice water weevil), Lyctus spp. (woodbeetles/powder post beetles), Maecolaspis joliveti, Megascelis spp.,Melanotus communis, Meligethes spp., Meligethes aeneus (blossom beetle),Melolontha melolontha (common European cockchafer), Oberea brevis,Oberea linearis, Oryctes rhinoceros (date palm beetle), Oryzaephilusmercator (merchant grain beetle), Oryzaephilus surinamensis (sawtoothedgrain beetle), Otiorhynchus spp. (weevils), Oulema melanopus (cerealleaf beetle), Oulema oryzae, Pantomorus spp. (weevils), Phyllophaga spp.(May/June beetle), Phyllophaga cuyabana, Phyllotreta spp.(chrysomelids), Phynchites spp., Popillia japonica (Japanese beetle),Prostephanus truncates (larger grain borer), Rhizopertha dominica(lesser grain borer), Rhizotrogus spp. (European chafer), Rhynchophorusspp. (weevils), Scolytus spp. (wood beetles), Shenophorus spp.(Billbug), Sitona lineatus (pea leaf weevil), Sitophilus spp. (grainweevils), Sitophilus granaries (granary weevil), Sitophilus oryzae (riceweevil), Stegobium paniceum (drugstore beetle), Tribolium spp. (flourbeetles), Tribolium castaneum (red flour beetle), Tribolium confusum(confused flour beetle), Trogoderma variabile (warehouse beetle), andZabrus tenebioides.

The present disclosure provides for and includes methods to controlarthropods that are members of the subphylum Myriapoda. Members of thesubphylum Myriapoda that may be controlled according the methods of thepresent disclosure include, for example, a member of the class Diplopodaor Chilopoda.

In another aspect, the present disclosure also provides for and includesmethods to control arthropods that are members of the subphylumHexapoda. The present disclosure also provides for and includes methodsto control arthropods that are members of the phylogenetic ClassInsecta.

In another aspect, the present disclosure also provides for and includesmethods to control arthropods that are Dermaptera (earwigs).

In another aspect, the present disclosure also provides for and includesmethods to control arthropods that are Dictyoptera (cockroaches). Anon-exhaustive list of these pests includes, but is not limited to,Blattella germanica (German cockroach), Blatta orientalis (orientalcockroach), Parcoblatta pennylvanica, Periplaneta americana (Americancockroach), Periplaneta australoasiae (Australian cockroach),Periplaneta brunnea (brown cockroach), Periplaneta fuliginosa(smokybrown cockroach), Pyncoselus suninamensis (Surinam cockroach), andSupella longipalpa (brownbanded cockroach).

In aspects according to the present disclosure, the effective level ofPHPG to control Dictyoptera is greater than 0.6 ppm. In certain aspects,the effective level of PHPG to control Dictyoptera is greater than 1.0ppm. Yet other aspects, of PHPG to control Dictyoptera is greater than1.5 ppm. Adult Dictyoptera appear to be resistant to low levels of PHPGand appear unaffected, however, eggs, larva and immature forms areexpected to be susceptible to PHPG. In certain aspects, the presentdisclosure provides for an induces methods for controlling Dictyopterathat provides for the arthropodicide of immature Dictyoptera, whilealtering the behavior of adult Dictyoptera. In an aspect, PHPG providesfor the prevention of infestation by adult Dictyoptera by inhibiting theinfiltration of adult Dictyoptera into a PHPG treated space.

In another aspect, the present disclosure also provides for and includesmethods to control arthropods that are Diptera (true flies). Anon-exhaustive list of these pests includes, but is not limited to,Aedes spp. (mosquitoes), Agromyza frontella (alfalfa blotch leafminer),Agromyza spp. (leaf miner flies), Anastrepha spp. (fruit flies),Anastrepha suspensa (Caribbean fruit fly), Anopheles spp. (mosquitoes),Batrocera spp. (fruit flies), Bactrocera cucurbitae (melon fly),Bactrocera dorsalis (oriental fruit fly), Ceratitis spp. (fruit flies),Ceratitis capitata (Mediterranea fruit fly), Chrysops spp. (deer flies),Cochliomyia spp. (screwworms), Contarinia spp. (gall midges), Culex spp.(mosquitoes), Dasineura spp. (gall midges), Dasineura brassicae (cabbagegall midge), Delia spp., Delia platura (seedcorn maggot), Drosophilaspp. (vinegar flies), Fannia spp. (filth flies), Fannia canicularis(little house fly), Fannia scalaris (latrine fly), Gasterophilusintestinalis (horse bot fly), Gracillia perseae, Haematobia irritans(horn fly), Hylemyia spp. (root maggots), Hypoderma lineatum (commoncattle grub), Liriomyza spp. (leafminer flies), Liriomyza brassica(serpentine leafminer), Melophagus ovinus (sheep ked), Musca spp.(muscid flies), Musca autumnalis (face fly), Musca domestica (housefly), Oestrus ovis (sheep bot fly), Oscinella frit (frit fly), Pegomyiabetae (beet leafminer), Phorbia spp., Psila rosae (carrot rust fly),Rhagoletis cerasi (cherry fruit fly), Rhagoletis pomonella (applemaggot), Sitodiplosis mosellana (orange wheat blossom midge), Stomoxyscalcitrans (stable fly), Tabanus spp. (horse flies), and Tipula spp.(crane flies).

Yet other examples of arthropods that are members of the class Dipterathat can be controlled by the methods provided for in the presentdisclosure include, but are not limited to Asphondylia spp., Bibiohortulanus, Calliphora erythrocephala, Chironomus spp., Chrysomyia spp.,Cordylobia anthropophaga, Culicoides spp., Culiseta spp., Cuterebraspp., Dacus oleae, Dermatobia hominis, Echinocnemus spp., Glossina spp.,Haematopota spp., Hydrellia spp., Hyppobosca spp., Hypoderma spp.,Lucilia spp., Lutzomia spp., Mansonia spp., Nezara spp., Oestrus spp.,Pegomyia spp., Phlebotomus spp., Phormia spp., Prodiplosis spp.,Rhagoletis spp., Sarcophaga spp., Simulium spp, Stomoxys spp., Tanniaspp., and Tetanops spp.

In another aspect, the present disclosure also provides for and includesmethods to control arthropods that are Hemiptera (true bugs). Anon-exhaustive list of these pests includes, but is not limited to,Acrosternum hilare (green stink bug), Blissus leucopterus (chinch bug),Calocoris norvegicus (potato mirid), Cimex hemipterus (tropical bedbug), Cimex lectularius (bed bug), Dagbertus fasciatus, Dichelopsfurcatus, Dysdercus suturellus (cotton stainer), Edessa meditabunda,Eurygaster maura (cereal bug), Euschistus heros, Euschistus servus(brown stink bug), Helopeltis antonii, Helopeltis theivora (tea blightplantbug), Lagynotomus spp. (stink bugs), Leptocorisa oratorius,Leptocorisa varicornis, Lygus spp. (plant bugs), Lygus hesperus (westerntarnished plant bug), Maconellicoccus hirsutus, Neurocolpuslongirostris, Nezara viridula (southern green stink bug), Phytocorisspp. (plant bugs), Phytocoris californicus, Phytocoris relativus,Piezodorus guildingi, Poecilocapsus lineatus (fourlined plant bug),Psallus vaccinicola, Pseudacysta perseae, Scaptocoris castanea, andTriatoma spp. (bloodsucking conenose bugs/kissing bugs).

Yet other examples of pests that are members of the class Heteropteraand can be controlled by the methods provided for in the presentdisclosure include, but are not limited to Anasa tristis, Antestiopsisspp., Boisea spp., Blissus spp., Calocoris spp., Campylomma livida,Cavelerius spp., Cimex spp., Collaria spp., Creontiades dilutus, Dasynuspiperis, Diconocoris hewetti, Dysdercus spp., Euschistus spp.,Eurygaster spp., Heliopeltis spp., Horcias nobilellus, Leptocorisa spp.,Leptoglossus phyllopus, Macropes excavatus, Miridae, Monalonion atratum,Nezara spp., Oebalus spp., Pentomidae, Piesma quadrata, Piezodorus spp.,Psallus spp., Rhodnius spp., Sahlbergella singularis, Scotinophora spp.,Stephanitis nashi, and Tibraca spp.

In another aspect, the present disclosure also provides for and includesmethods to control arthropods that are Homoptera (aphids, scales,whiteflies, leafhoppers). A non-exhaustive list of these pests includes,but is not limited to, Acrythosiphon pisum (pea aphid), Adelges spp.(adelgids), Aleurodes proletella (cabbage whitefly), Aleurodicusdisperses, Aleurothrixus floccosus (woolly whitefly), Aluacaspis spp.,Amrasca bigutella bigutella, Aphrophora spp. (leafhoppers), Aonidiellaaurantii (California red scale), Aphis spp. (aphids), Aphis gossypii(cotton aphid), Aphis pomi (apple aphid), Aulacorthum solani (foxgloveaphid), Bemisia spp. (whiteflies), Bemisia argentifolii, Bemisia tabaci(sweetpotato whitefly), Brachycolus noxius (Russian aphid),Brachycorynella asparagi (asparagus aphid), Brevennia rehi, Brevicorynebrassicae (cabbage aphid), Ceroplastes spp. (scales), Ceroplastes rubens(red wax scale), Chionaspis spp. (scales), Chrysomphalus spp. (scales),Coccus spp. (scales), Dysaphis plantaginea (rosy apple aphid), Empoascaspp. (leafhoppers), Eriosoma lanigerum (woolly apple aphid), Iceryapurchasi (cottony cushion scale), Idioscopus nitidulus (mangoleafhopper), Laodelphax striatellus (smaller brown planthopper),Lepidosaphes spp., Macrosiphum spp., Macrosiphum euphorbiae (potatoaphid), Macrosiphum granarium (English grain aphid), Macrosiphum rosae(rose aphid), Macrosteles quadrilineatus (aster leafhopper), Mahanarvafrimbiolata, Metopolophium dirhodum (rose grain aphid), Mictislongicornis, Myzus persicae (green peach aphid), Nephotettix spp.(leafhoppers), Nephotettix cinctipes (green leafhopper), Nilaparvatalugens (brown planthopper), Parlatoria pergandii (chaff scale),Parlatoria ziziphi (ebony scale), Peregrinus maidis (corn delphacid),Philaenus spp. (spittlebugs), Phylloxera vitifoliae (grape phylloxera),Physokermes piceae (spruce bud scale), Planococcus spp. (mealybugs),Pseudococcus spp. (mealybugs), Pseudococcus brevipes (pine applemealybug), Quadraspidiotus perniciosus (San Jose scale), Rhapalosiphumspp. (aphids), Rhapalosiphum maida (corn leaf aphid), Rhapalosiphum padi(oat bird-cherry aphid), Saissetia spp. (scales), Saissetia oleae (blackscale), Schizaphis graminum (greenbug), Sitobion avenae (English grainaphid), Sogatella furcifera (white-backed planthopper), Therioaphis spp.(aphids), Toumeyella spp. (scales), Toxoptera spp. (aphids),Trialeurodes spp. (whiteflies), Trialeurodes vaporariorum (greenhousewhitefly), Trialeurodes abutiloneus (bandedwing whitefly), Unaspis spp.(scales), Unaspis yanonensis (arrowhead scale), and Zulia entreriana.

Yet other examples of pests that are members of the class Homoptera thatcan be controlled by the methods provided for in the present disclosureinclude, but are not limited to Acyrthosipon spp., Acrogonia spp.,Aeneolamia spp., Agonoscena spp., Aleurodes spp., Aleurolobusbarodensis, Aleurothrixus spp., Amrasca spp., Anuraphis cardui,Aonidiella spp., Aphanostigma pini, Arboridia apicalis, Aspidiella spp.,Aspidiotus spp. Atanus spp., Brachycaudus helichrysii, Brachycolus spp.,Brevicoryne brassicae, Calligypona marginate, Carneocephala fulgida,Ceratovacuna lanigera, Cercopidae, Chaetosiphon fragaefolii, Chionaspistegalensis, Chlorita onukii, Chromaphis juglandicola, Chrysomphalusficus, Cicadulina mbila, Coccomytilus halli, Cryptomyzus ribis, Dalbulusspp., Dialeurodes spp., Diaphorina spp., Diaspis spp., Drosicha spp.,Dysaphis spp., Dysmicoccus spp., Eriosoma spp., Erythroneura spp.,Euscelis bilobatus, Ferrisia spp., Geococcus coffeae, Hieroglyphus spp.,Homalodisca coagulata, Hyalopterus arundinis, Icerya spp., Idiocerusspp., Idioscopus spp., Lecanium spp., Lipaphis erysimi, Mahanarva spp.,Melanaphis sacchari, Metcalfiella spp., Monellia costalis, Monelliopsispecanis, Myzus spp., Nasonovia ribisnigri, Oncometopia spp., Ortheziapraelonga, Parabemisia myricae, Paratrioza spp., Parlatoria spp.,Pemphigus spp., Phenacoccus spp., Phloeomyzus passerinii, Phorodonhumuli, Phylloxera spp., Pinnaspis aspidistrae, Protopulvinariapyriformis, Pseudaulacaspis pentagona, Psylla spp., Pteromalus spp.,Pyrilla spp., Quadraspidiotus spp., Quesada gigas, Rastrococcus spp.,Scaphoides titanus, Selenaspidus articulatus, Sogata spp., Sogatodesspp., Stictocephala festina, Tenalaphara malayensis, Tinocalliscaryaefoliae, Tomaspis spp., Trialeurodes spp., Trioza spp., Typhlocybaspp., Viteus vitifolii, and Zygina spp.

In another aspect, the present disclosure also provides for and includesmethods to control arthropods that are Hymenoptera (ants, wasps, andbees). A non-exhaustive list of these pests includes, but is not limitedto, Acromyrrmex spp., Athalia rosae, Atta spp. (leafcutting ants),Camponotus spp. (carpenter ants), Diprion spp. (sawflies), Formica spp.(ants), Iridomyrmex humilis (Argentine ant), Monomorium ssp., Monomoriumminumum (little black ant), Monomorium pharaonis (Pharaoh ant),Neodiprion spp. (sawflies), Pogonomyrmex spp. (harvester ants), Polistesspp. (paper wasps), Solenopsis spp. (fire ants), Tapoinoma sessile(odorous house ant), Tetranomorium spp. (pavement ants), Vespula spp.(yellow jackets), and Xylocopa spp. (carpenter bees).

In another aspect, the present disclosure also provides for and includesmethods to control arthropods that are Isoptera (termites). Anon-exhaustive list of these pests includes, but is not limited to,Coptotermes spp., Coptotermes curvignathus, Coptotermes frenchii,Coptotermes formosanus (Formosan subterranean termite), Cornitermes spp.(nasute termites), Cryptotermes spp. (drywood termites), Heterotermesspp. (desert subterranean termites), Heterotermes aureus, Kalotermesspp. (drywood termites), Incistitermes spp. (drywood termites),Macrotermes spp. (fungus growing termites), Marginitermes spp. (drywoodtermites), Microcerotermes spp. (harvester termites), Microtermes obesi,Procornitermes spp., Reticulitermes spp. (subterranean termites),Reticulitermes banyulensis, Reticulitermes grassei, Reticulitermesflavipes (eastern subterranean termite), Reticulitermes hageni,Reticulitermes hesperus (western subterranean termite), Reticulitermessantonensis, Reticulitermes speratus, Reticulitermes tibialis,Reticulitermes virginicus, Schedorhinotermes spp., and Zootermopsis spp.(rotten-wood termites).

In another aspect, the present disclosure also provides for and includesmethods to control arthropods that are Lepidoptera (moths andbutterflies). A non-exhaustive list of these pests includes, but is notlimited to, Achoea janata, Adoxophyes spp., Adoxophyes orana, Agrotisspp. (cutworms), Agrotis ipsilon (black cutworm), Alabama argillacea(cotton leafworm), Amorbia cuneana, Amyelosis transitella (navelorangeworm), Anacamptodes defectaria, Anarsia lineatella (peach twigborer), Anomis sabulifera (jute looper), Anticarsia gemmatalis(velvetbean caterpillar), Archips argyrospila (fruit tree leafroller),Archips rosana (rose leaf roller), Argyrotaenia spp. (tortricid moths),Argyrotaenia citrana (orange tortrix), Autographa gamma, Bonagotacranaodes, Borbo cinnara (rice leaf folder), Bucculatrix thurberiella(cotton leaf perforator), Caloptilia spp. (leaf miners), Capuareticulana, Carposina niponensis (peach fruit moth), Chilo spp.,Chlumetia transversa (mango shoot borer), Choristoneura rosaceana(oblique banded leaf roller), Chrysodeixis spp., Cnaphalocerus medinalis(grass leafroller), Colias spp., Conpomorpha cramerella, Cossus cossus(carpenter moth), Crambus spp. (Sod webworms), Cydia funebrana (plumfruit moth), Cydia molesta (oriental fruit moth), Cydia nignicana (peamoth), Cydia pomonella (codling moth), Darna diducta, Diaphania spp.(stem borers), Diatraea spp. (stalk borers), Diatraea saccharalis(sugarcane borer), Diatraea graniosella (southwestern corn borer),Earias spp. (bollworms), Earias insulata (Egyptian bollworm), Eariasvitella (rough northern bollworm), Ecdytopopha aurantianum, Elasmopalpuslignosellus (lesser cornstalk borer), Epiphysias postruttana (lightbrown apple moth), Ephestia spp. (flour moths), Ephestia cautella(almond moth), Ephestia elutella (tobacco moth), Ephestia kuehniella(Mediterranean flour moth), Epimeces spp., Epinotia aporema, Erionotathrax (banana skipper), Eupoecilia ambiguella (grape berry moth), Euxoaauxiliaris (army cutworm), Feltia spp. (cutworms), Gortyna spp.(stemborers), Grapholita molesta (oriental fruit moth), Hedyleptaindicata (bean leaf webber), Helicoverpa spp. (noctuid moths),Helicoverpa armigera (cotton bollworm), Helicoverpa zea (bollworm/cornearworm), Heliothis spp. (noctuid moths), Heliothis virescens (tobaccobudworm), Hellula undalis (cabbage webworm), Indarbela spp. (rootborers), Keiferia lycopersicella (tomato pinworm), Leucinodes orbonalis(eggplant fruit borer), Leucoptera malifoliella, Lithocollectis spp.,Lobesia botrana (grape fruit moth), Loxagrotis spp. (noctuid moths),Loxagrotis albicosta (western bean cutworm), Lymantria dispar (gypsymoth), Lyonetia clerkella (apple leaf miner), Mahasena corbetti (oilpalm bagworm), Malacosoma spp. (tent caterpillars), Mamestra brassicae(cabbage armyworm), Maruca testulalis (bean pod borer), Metisa plana(bagworm), Mythimna unipuncta (true armyworm), Neoleucinodes elegantalis(small tomato borer), Nymphula depunctalis (rice caseworm), Operophtherabrumata (winter moth), Ostrinia nubilalis (European corn borer), Oxydiavesulia, Pandemis cerasana (common currant tortrix), Pandemis heparana(brown apple tortrix), Papilio demodocus, Pectinophora gossypiella (pinkbollworm), Peridroma spp. (cutworms), Peridroma saucia (variegatedcutworm), Perileucoptera coffeella (white coffee leafminer), Phthorimaeaoperculella (potato tuber moth), Phyllocnisitis citrella, Phyllonorycterspp. (leafminers), Pieris rapae (imported cabbageworm), Plathypenascabra, Plodia interpunctella (Indian meal moth), Plutella xylostella(diamondback moth), Polychrosis viteana (grape berry moth), Praysendocarps, Prays oleae (olive moth), Pseudaletia spp. (noctuid moths),Pseudaletia unipunctata (armyworm), Pseudoplusia includens (soybeanlooper), Rachiplusia nu, Scirpophaga incertulas, Sesamia spp.(stemborers), Sesamia inferens (pink rice stem borer), Sesamianonagrioides, Setora nitens, Sitotroga cerealella (Angoumois grainmoth), Sparganothis pilleriana, Spodoptera spp. (armyworms), Spodopteraexigua (beet armyworm), Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm),Spodoptera oridania (southern armyworm), Synanthedon spp. (root borers),Thecla basilides, Thermisia gemmatalis, Tineola bisselliella (webbingclothes moth), Trichoplusia ni (cabbage looper), Tuta absoluta,Yponomeuta spp., Zeuzera coffeae (red branch borer), and Zeuzera pyrina(leopard moth).

Yet other examples of pests that are members of the class Lepidopterathat can be controlled by the methods provided for in the presentdisclosure include, but are not limited to Acronicta major, Aedialeucomelas, Alabama spp., Anarsia spp., Anticarsia spp., Argyroplocespp., Barathra brassicae, Borbo cinnara, Bupalus piniarius, Busseolaspp., Cacoecia spp., Caloptilia theivora, Carpocapsa pomonella,Chematobia brumata, Choristoneura spp., Clysia ambiguella, Cnaphalocerusspp., Cnephasia spp., Conopomorpha spp., Conotrachelus spp., Copitarsiaspp., Cydia spp., Dalaca noctuides, Eldana saccharina, Epinotia spp.,Epiphyas postvittana, Etiella spp., Eulia spp., Euproctis spp., Euxoaspp., Galleria mellonella, Gracillaria spp., Grapholitha spp., Hedyleptaspp., Hofmannophila pseudospretella, Homoeosoma spp., Homona spp.,Hyponomeuta padella, Kakivoria flavofasciata, Laphygma spp., Laspeyresiamolesta, Leucoptera spp., Lithophane antennata, Lobesia spp., Lymantriaspp., Lyonetia spp., Malacosoma neustria, Mamestra brassicae, Mocisspp., Myth imna separata, Nymphula spp., Oiketicus spp., Oria spp.,Orthaga spp., Ostrinia spp., Oulema oryzac, Panolis flammea, Parnaraspp., Pectinophora spp., Perileucoptera spp., Phthorimaea spp., Pierisspp., Platynota stultana, Plusia spp., Prays spp., Prodenia spp.,Protoparce spp., Pyrausta nubilalis, Schoenobius spp., Scirpophaga spp.,Scotia segetum, Sparganothis spp., Stathmopoda spp., Stomopteryxsubsecivella, Tecia solanivora, Tinea pellionella, Tortrix spp.,Trichophaga tapetzella, Trichoplusia spp., and Virachola spp.

In another aspect, the present disclosure also provides for and includesmethods to control arthropods that are Mallophaga (chewing lice). Anon-exhaustive list of these pests includes, but is not limited to,Bovicola ovis (sheep biting louse), Menacanthus stramineus (chicken bodylouse), and Menopon gallinea (common hen louse).

In another aspect, the present disclosure also provides for and includesmethods to control arthropods that are Orthoptera (grasshoppers,locusts, and crickets). A non-exhaustive list of these pests includes,but is not limited to, Anabrus simplex (Mormon cricket), Gryllotalpidae(mole crickets), Locusta migratoria, Melanoplus spp. (grasshoppers),Microcentrum retinerve (angular winged katydid), Pterophylla spp.(katydids), chistocerca gregaria, Scudderia furcata (fork tailed bushkatydid), and Valanga nigricorni.

In another aspect, the present disclosure also provides for and includesmethods to control arthropods that are Phthiraptera (sucking lice). Anon-exhaustive list of these pests includes, but is not limited to,Haematopinus spp. (cattle and hog lice), Linognathus ovillus (sheeplouse), Pediculus humanus capitis (human body louse), Pediculus humanushumanus (human body lice), and Pthirus pubis (crab louse),

In another aspect, the present disclosure also provides for and includesmethods to control arthropods that are Siphonaptera (fleas). Anon-exhaustive list of these pests includes, but is not limited to,Ctenocephalides canis (dog flea), Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea), andPulex irritans (human flea).

In another aspect, the present disclosure also provides for and includesmethods to control arthropods that are Thysanoptera (thrips). Anon-exhaustive list of these pests includes, but is not limited to,Frankliniella fusca (tobacco thrips), Frankliniella occidentalis(western flower thrips), Frankliniella shultzei Frankliniella williamsi(corn thrips), Heliothrips haemorrhaidalis (greenhouse thrips),Riphiphorothrips cruentatus, Scirtothrips spp., Scirtothrips citri(citrus thrips), Scirtothrips dorsalis (yellow tea thrips), Taeniothripsrhopalantennalis, and Thrips spp.

In another aspect, the present disclosure also provides for and includesmethods to control arthropods that are Thysanura (bristletails). Anon-exhaustive list of these pests includes, but is not limited to,Lepisma spp. (silverfish) and Thermobia spp. (firebrats).

In another aspect, the present disclosure also provides for and includesmethods to control arthropods that are Acarina (mites and ticks). Anon-exhaustive list of these pests includes, but is not limited to,Acarapsis woodi (tracheal mite of honeybees), Acarus spp. (food mites),Acarus siro (grain mite), Aceria mangiferae (mango bud mite), Aculopsspp., Aculops lycopersici (tomato russet mite), Aculops pelekasi, Aculuspelekassi, Aculus schlechtendali (apple rust mite), Amblyomma americanum(lone star tick), Boophilus spp. (ticks), Brevipalpus obovatus (privetmite), Brevipalpus phoenicis (red and black flat mite), Demodex spp.(mange mites), Dermacentor spp. (hard ticks), Dermacentor variabilis(American dog tick), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (house dust mite),Eotetranycus spp., Eotetranychus carpini (yellow spider mite),Epitimerus spp., Eriophyes spp., Ixodes spp. (ticks), Metatetranycusspp., Notoedres cati, Oligonychus spp., Oligonychus coffee, Oligonychusilicus (southern red mite), Panonychus spp., Panonychus citri (citrusred mite), Panonychus ulmi (European red mite), Phyllocoptruta oleivora(citrus rust mite), Polyphagotarsonemun latus (broad mite),Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick), Rhizoglyphus spp. (bulbmites), Sarcoptes scabiei (itch mite), Tegolophus perseaflorae,Tetranychus spp., Tetranychus urticae (two-spotted spider mite), andVarroa destructor (honey bee mite).

Additional information regarding arthropods suitable for control usingthe methods of the present disclosure, may be found in “Handbook of PestControl—The Behavior, Life History, and Control of Household Pests” byArnold Mallis, 9th Edition, copyright 2004 by GIE Media Inc.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, forclarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also beprovided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in thecontext of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or inany suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other describedembodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the contextof various embodiments are not to be considered essential features ofthose embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without thoseelements. For example, methods of using PHPG gas to kill arthropods arealso effective at repelling arthropods. Thus, following the initialkilling of an arthropod, continued use of PHPG prevents thereinfestation.

Various embodiments and aspects of the present invention as delineatedhereinabove and as claimed in the claims section below find experimentalsupport in the following Examples. The following Examples are presentedfor the purposes of illustration and should not be construed aslimitations.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modificationsand variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scopeof the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in thisspecification are herein incorporated in their entirety by referenceinto the specification, to the same extent as if each individualpublication, patent or patent application was specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. Inaddition, citation or identification of any reference in thisapplication shall not be construed as an admission that such referenceis available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent thatsection headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarilylimiting.

EXAMPLES Example 1: Generation and Measurement of PHPG

All PHPG concentration readings take place with Draeger products. A PacIII, Polytron 7000 or Draeger Tubes are utilized in all tests, generallyaccording to manufacturer's instructions. The Polytron displays adigital reading when air is drawn through the mesh sensor. Mostcommonly, Draeger Tubes are used after clipping on both ends andplacement in a ACCURO™ Pump. Per manufacturer instructions, the tubesare pumped 100 times and the level of PHPG determined by observing thecolor change in the crystals. The PAC III has proved to be generallyless effective in measuring very low levels of PHPG.

Example 2: Laboratory Testing of PHPG for the Control of ArthropodSpecies

The effects of Purified Hydrogen Peroxide Gas (PHPG) on selectedarthropod species is performed to determine the efficacy on controllingan arthropod using the indirect dispersion of PHPG in a space. In theseexperiments, the knockdown and mortality rates in mosquitoes, bed bugs,termites, ants, moths, house flies, and spiders is assessed.

Black wood ants, house flies (adult and pupae), large saturniid moths,termites (soldier and living), and cellar spiders are obtained fromCarolina Supplies and shipped overnight. All organisms are fed prior toshipping from Carolina Supplies. Bed bugs and mosquitoes are sourcedlocally due to government shipping restrictions. The test samples arestored in a cabinet at ambient temperature and humidity until use in thestudy. The samples are labeled and color-coded for easy identification.In certain experiments, specimens of wild caught arthropods are used inthe controlled experiments, including for example Brazilian cockroaches.

All testing is conducted in a sealed, Static Dissipative PVC chamber,Terra Universal (Fullerton, Calif.) Model 3305-10F: 59 inches W×24inches D×25 inches H. With additional airlock Terra Universal Model1680-81B 11.5 inches W×10 inches D×10.5 inches H. Arthropods are placedinside transfer containers (pint size paper containers). The top andbottom diameters of these containers are 3.75 and 2.87 inchesrespectively with a height of 3.5 inches. All arthropods are releasedonce the airlock is sealed. Arthropods are allowed to recover followingPHPG exposure and observed in 8 oz glass Pyrex® (Tewksbury, Mass.)containers with sealed glass lids.

Three replicates of ten of each arthropod are subjected to PHPG. Anadditional three replicates are subjected to a non PHPG producing deviceand serve as untreated controls. The arthropods are observed forknockdown at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 15 minutes. Mortality counts aretaken after 24 hours of PHPG exposure. If at 24 hours mortality is less90%, additional readings are taken following 48 hours of PHPG exposure.The test samples are exposed to the test environment containing PHPGuntil a 90% knockdown is achieved. The test samples are provided PHPGemitted from a PHPG producing device in the center of the test chamber.Time frames are recorded for each replicate. Just prior to treatment thearthropods are transferred into the transfer containers. Forty eighthours after treatment, they are removed from the treatment chamber andtransferred to recovery containers and covered with screened lids forobservation.

After treatment, the arthropods are observed for knockdown and mortalityat 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 15, 30 minutes and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 24, and48 hours. Knockdown occurs when an arthropod cannot right itself whenplaced on its back but is still able to move at least one body part. Thearthropods are then transferred from the treatment chamber to recoverycontainers. Another knockdown/mortality observation is made 15 minuteslater.

If all ten arthropods are recorded as knocked down or deceased duringany observation before 15 minutes have elapsed, subsequent observationsare not made. Mortality counts are made at 24 hours, and 48 hours orsooner (if applicable). All dead arthropods are confirmed by probing oragitation to make sure that they are unable to move (any that showmovement visible to the naked eye are recorded as moribund). Arthropodsthat can crawl or right themselves when placed on their backs arerecorded as being alive.

After the knockdown counts are complete, the arthropods are maintainedin the laboratory at ambient temperature and humidity conditions with anormal 8:16 light:dark cycle for 24 hours. Additional mortality readingsare taken at 48 hours if less than 90% mortality is recorded at 24hours. A 48 hour reading depends upon control mortality remaining lessthan 10%. Temperature and humidity are recorded in the treatment area,and in the laboratory where the arthropods are subsequently held for theduration of the test. The number of dead arthropods per replicate areadded together for a total mortality count. Abbott's Formula is used tocorrect for any mortality among the controls. The results are presentedin Table 1.

TABLE 1 Effect of PHPG on Arthropod Species in Laboratory Tests AttemptOrganism PHPG Level Exposure Time to Flee? Percent Killed ObservationsBedbugs 0.6 ppm 3 hours No,  50% All bedbugs reacted within 60 hoursWent 100% fifteen seconds. Dormant Bedbugs with recent blood mealregurgitated. Females immediately laid immature eggs. Immature eggsimmediately hatched. Nymphs died in seconds. Almost all bedbugs thenstopped moving. Bedbugs that had regurgitated recent blood meal remainedactive, collecting and stacking dormant bedbugs. Dormant bedbugs beganto revive when removed from the environment after one hour, and werereplaced. All died over time. Brown Dog 0.6 ppm 3 hours Yes  70% Allticks searched for an exit Tick 60 hours 100% until they succumbed.Carpenter 1.0 ppm 24 Hours Yes  15% All ants attempted to flee. AntsWhen unable 50% collected in areas where fresh air was seeping into thechamber and remained inactive. Others continued to search for an exit.Smallest ants died first. Cockroaches 0.6 ppm 24 Hours No  0% Appearedresistant at low level of PHPG. Did not react to the gas, suggestingpossession of protective enzymes. Cellar 1.0 ppm 24 Hours Yes  33%Smallest spiders died within Spiders one hour. Larger spiders survivedlong enough to find a fresh air source. Deer Ticks 0.6 ppm 3 hours Yes 70% All ticks searched for an exit 60 hours 100% until they succumbed.Fruit Flies 0.3 ppm 72 hours Not noted 100% House Fly 0.5 ppm 7 days N/A100% 100 pupae expected to hatch Pupae within 3 days. Did not hatch atall within one week. Tarantula 0.6 ppm 24 hours No  0% Appearedresistant. Did not react to the gas, suggesting possession of protectiveenzymes. Termites 0.1 ppm 24 hours Yes, 100% Very low exposure causedThen went the termites to cease activity dormant and seek shelter, wherethey went dormant. Larger concentrations should kill. Wolf Spiders 1.0ppm 1 hour Yes 100% Very susceptible; and general observation

Example 3: Real World Testing of PHPG for the Control of ArthropodSpecies

In November 2012, the effects of PHPG gas treatment according to thepresent disclosure was performed on a 1400 sq ft Pool House that had notbeen maintained for years. Prior to testing, the primary function wasfor storage and the very occasional guest. Window seals were cracked andtherefore air leakage throughout the space was increased. Initiallythere was some mold present on the wall with an “in window” airconditioning unit. Prior to the initiation of testing, the space itselfwas cleared out and swept clean. No chemicals or cleaners were used atany time in this space for weeks prior to testing. There was no cleaningor dusting of the exposed rafters, kitchen cabinets, drawers, closets orthe HVAC system that was not operational for years. A space heater wasincluded to maintain the temperature above 60 degrees ° F. Two 14″×12″by 12″ PHPG generating devices comprising a filters, fan, bulb, and aPHPG generating sail (See, U.S. Pat. No. 8,168,122, U.S. Pat. No.8,685,329, and U.S. Patent Application No. 61/988,535). Two PHPGgenerating devices were placed in the space for an initial cleansing andto establish levels. After 27 hours, 109 arthropods were confirmed deadincluding crickets, ants, spiders, and house flies. The majority of thekills happened around the outer walls of the space with limited kills inthe interior portions of the space. Observed concentration of PHPG,measured as provided in Example 1, at 27 hours was 0.4 ppm. No liveinsects were observed.

The effects of PHPG treatment of human lice was observed. Afterinstalling a PHPG generating device, the child subject reported the endof itching within one hour. All signs of lice were eliminated and licefree within two days of the initiation of treatment.

Additional observations of the effects of PHPG treatment of arthropodspecies was observed during the development of PHPG generating devicesfor the control of molds, bacteria, and viruses. The results andobservations of these species is presented in Table 2

TABLE 2 Observations on Arthropod Species in Real World Tests Attempt toOrganism PHPG Level Exposure Time Flee? Percent Killed ObservationsCrickets 0.4 ppm 21 hours Yes 100% Test conducted in Garden house. Triedto exit through HVAC Vents. House Flies 0.2 ppm 24 hours Yes 100% Fliesexhibited frantic behavior and disorientation within 30 minutes. Firstdeaths within one hour. All died within day. TESTINg pupa Lice and nits0.2 ppm 2 days N/A 100% Infested child reported end of itching withinone hour. Bedding and other exposed items fully treated within two days.Mosquitoes 0.2 ppm 2 hours Yes 100% All mosquitoes that entered theenvironment immediately began searching for an exit, became disoriented,frantic, and then died within a couple of hours. Stink Bugs 0.3 ppm 24hours Yes 100% Many dead bugs found around device. Yellow 0.3 ppm 1 dayYes 100% Test in attack where nest was Jackets and hatching. All yellowjackets Nest died and unhatched yellow jackets in the nest died.

What is claimed:
 1. A method for controlling insects in an environmentcomprising: providing Purified Hydrogen Peroxide Gas (PHPG) to saidenvironment to prepare a PHPG containing environment having PHPG gas ata final concentration between 0.05 and 5.0 parts per million and lessthan 0.015 parts per million (ppm) of ozone; and maintaining said PHPGcontaining environment for a time period sufficient to control saidinsects; wherein said insects are members of the phylogenetic ordersselected from the group consisting of Diptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera,and Hymenoptera.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said controlling ofsaid insects is selected from the group consisting of cessation of allactivity and becoming immobile and dormant, regurgitation of a recentmeal, laying of an immature egg, laying of a mature egg, hatching of animmature egg, death of a nymph, searching for an exit from said PHPGcontaining environment, exiting from said PHPG containing environment,searching for a source of non PHPG air, locating to a source of non PHPGcontaining air, exhibiting frantic behavior, becoming disoriented, deathof an insect egg, death of an insect pupae, death of an insect larva,and death a mature insect.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein saidprovided PHPG is prepared from ambient air having a relative humidity ofbetween 5% and 99%.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said PHPGcontaining environment comprises a PHPG concentration of between 0.05parts-per-million (ppm) and 1.5 ppm.
 5. The method of claim 1, whereinsaid PHPG is provided continuously to said environment.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said insects further comprise two or more populationsof insects.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said insects are selectedfrom the group consisting of eggs, larva, pupae, nymphs, and adults. 8.The method of claim 1, wherein said PHPG is provided to said environmentby a PHPG generating device that is a stand-alone device or is acomponent of a climate control system.
 9. The method of claim 1, whereinsaid environment is a restaurant or a grocery store.
 10. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said insects are of the order Diptera selected from thegroup consisting of Asphondylia spp., Bibio hortulanus, Calliphoraerythrocephala, Chironomus spp., Chrysomyia spp., Cordylobiaanthropophaga, Culicoides spp., Culiseta spp., Cuterebra spp., Dacusoleae, Dermatobia hominis, Echinocnemus spp., Glossina spp., Haematopotaspp., Hydrellia spp., Hyppobosca spp., Hypoderma spp., Lucilia spp.,Lutzomia spp., Mansonia spp., Nezara spp., Oestrus spp., Pegomyia spp.,Phlebotomus spp., Phormia spp., Prodiplosis spp., Rhagoletis spp.,Sarcophaga spp., Simulium spp, Stomoxys spp., Tannia spp., and Tetanopsspp.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein said insects are of the orderDiptera selected from the group consisting of Aedes spp. (mosquitoes),Agromyza spp. (leaf miner flies), Anastrepha spp. (fruit flies),Anopheles spp. (mosquitoes), Batrocera spp. (fruit flies), Ceratitisspp. (fruit flies), Chrysops spp. (deer flies), Cochliomyia spp.(screwworms), Contarinia spp. (gall midges), Culex spp. (mosquitoes),Dasineura spp. (gall midges), Delia spp., Drosophila spp. (vinegarflies), Fannia spp. (filth flies), Hylemyia spp. (root maggots),Liriomyza spp. (leafminer flies), Musca spp. (muscid flies), Phorbiaspp., Tabanus spp. (horse flies), and Tipula spp. (crane flies).
 12. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said insects are of the order Dipteraselected from the group consisting of Anastrepha spp. (fruit flies),Batrocera spp. (fruit flies), Ceratitis spp. (fruit flies), Drosophilaspp. (vinegar flies), Musca spp. (muscid flies).
 13. The method of claim1, wherein said controlling of said insects is selected from the groupconsisting of cessation of all activity and becoming immobile anddormant, regurgitation for an exit from said PHPG containingenvironment, exiting from said PHPG containing environment, searchingfor a source of non PHPG air, locating to a source of non PHPGcontaining air, exhibiting frantic behavior, becoming disoriented.
 14. Amethod for controlling insects in a grocery store comprising: providingPurified Hydrogen Peroxide Gas (PHPG) to said grocery store to prepare aPHPG containing grocery store having PHPG gas at a final concentrationof between 0.1 and 5.0 parts per million and less than 0.015 parts permillion (ppm) of ozone; and maintaining said PHPG containing environmentfor a time period sufficient to control said insects, wherein saidinsects are selected from the group consisting of selected from thegroup consisting of Diptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera.15. The method of claim 14, wherein said insects are Diptera selectedfrom the group consisting of Anastrepha spp. (fruit flies), Batroceraspp. (fruit flies), Ceratitis spp. (fruit flies), Drosophila spp.(vinegar flies), Musca spp. (muscid flies).
 16. The method of claim 14,wherein said provided PHPG is prepared from ambient air having arelative humidity of between 5% and 99%.
 17. The method of claim 14,wherein said PHPG is provided to said environment by a PHPG generatingdevice that is a stand-alone device or is a component of a climatecontrol system.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein said controlling ofsaid insects is selected from the group consisting of cessation of allactivity and becoming immobile and dormant, regurgitation for an exitfrom said PHPG containing environment, exiting from said PHPG containingenvironment, searching for a source of non PHPG air, locating to asource of non PHPG containing air, exhibiting frantic behavior, andbecoming disoriented.